Kael's hand was still an inch from her wrist when the Guardians moved.
They came from every direction at once—black-cloaked, faces hidden beneath silver masks shaped like snarling wolves—closing the distance across Moon Stone Plaza faster than Serena's mind could process. One second she was staring at a boy who was supposed to be dead. The next six-armed figures had surrounded them both, weapons drawn, the plaza's chaos condensing into a single point of violence.
"Stand down," Headmistress Lyra called out, her voice carrying an authority that silenced even the Council's shouting. "Everyone remain where you are. This situation is under control."
"Is it?" Kael didn't look at her. His eyes stayed fixed on the Guardians closing in, his body angled slightly in front of Serena's without seemi
